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- $Unique_ID{BRK03164}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{flurbiprofen}
- $Subject{Ansaid Upjohn Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic flurbiprofen
- inflammation pain swelling stiffness arthritis osteoarthritis prostaglandins}
- $Volume{}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.
-
-
- flurbiprofen
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)
-
- Ansaid (Upjohn)
-
- TYPE OF DRUG
-
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic
-
- INGREDIENT
-
- flurbiprofen
-
- DOSAGE FORM
-
- Tablets (50 mg and 100 mg)
-
- STORAGE
-
- This medication should be stored in a tightly closed container at room
- temperature away from heat and direct light.
-
- USES
-
- Flurbiprofen is used to treat the inflammation (pain, swelling, and
- stiffness) of arthritis and osteoarthritis. Flurbiprofen has been shown to
- block the production of certain body chemicals, called prostaglandins, that
- may trigger pain. However, it is not yet fully understood how flurbiprofen
- works.
-
- TREATMENT
-
- You should take this medication on an empty stomach 30 to 60 minutes
- before meals or two hours after meals, so that it gets into your bloodstream
- quickly. However, to decrease stomach irritation, your doctor may want you to
- take this medication with food or antacids. Always follow your doctor's
- directions.
- It may take up to two weeks before you feel the full effects of this
- medication. Flurbiprofen does not cure arthritis or osteoarthritis, but it
- will help to control the condition as long as you continue to take it.
- It is important to take flurbiprofen on schedule and not to miss any
- doses. If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, unless it is
- almost time for your next dose. In that case, do not take the missed dose at
- all; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next
- dose.
-
- SIDE EFFECTS
-
- Minor.
-
- Indigestion, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, headache, or
- dizziness. As your body adjusts to the medication, these side effects should
- disappear.
- To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
- fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
- drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
- If you become dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a
- sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.
-
- Major.
-
- Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
- particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
- bloody or black, tarry stools; blurred vision; confusion; difficult or painful
- urination; palpitations; a problem with hearing, or ringing or buzzing in your
- ears; skin rash, hives, or itching; stomach pain; swelling of the feet or
- hands; chest tightness; unexplained sore throat and fever; unusual bleeding or
- bruising; unusual weight gain; wheezing or difficulty in breathing; or
- yellowing of the eyes or skin.
-
- INTERACTIONS
-
- Flurbiprofen interacts with several other medications:
- 1. Anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin) can lead to an
- increase in bleeding complications.
- 2. Aspirin, other salicylates, and other anti-inflammatory medications
- can increase stomach irritation. Aspirin may also decrease the effectiveness
- of flurbiprofen; therefore, it should not be used concurrently with
- flurbiprofen.
- 3. Flurbiprofen may block the blood-pressure-lowering effects of
- beta-blocking drugs such as propranolol.
- 4. The activity of diuretics (water pills) may be inhibited by
- flurbiprofen.
- 5. Flurbiprofen may alter a diabetic patient's response to insulin or
- oral hypoglycemic agents.
- Before starting to take flurbiprofen, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
- any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed
- above.
-
- WARNINGS
-
- * Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have ever had
- unusual or allergic reactions to flurbiprofen or to any of the other
- chemically related drugs (aspirin, other salicylates, diclofenac, diflunisal,
- fenoprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, meclofenamate, mefenamic
- acid, naproxen, oxyphenbutazone, phenylbutazone, piroxicam, sulindac, or
- tolmetin).
- * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had asthma,
- bleeding problems, epilepsy, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney
- disease, liver disease, mental illness, or Parkinson's disease.
- * If flurbiprofen makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any
- activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating
- potentially dangerous machinery.
- * Because this drug can prolong your bleeding time, it is important to
- tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this drug before having
- surgery or any other medical or dental treatment.
- * Stomach problems are more likely to occur if you take aspirin regularly
- or drink alcohol while being treated with this medication. These should,
- therefore, be avoided (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
- * The elderly may be at increased risk for side effects.
- * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you are planning
- to become pregnant. This medication can cause unwanted effects on the heart
- or blood flow of the fetus. Studies in animals have also shown that this
- medication, if taken late in pregnancy, may increase the length of pregnancy,
- prolong labor, or cause other problems during delivery. Also tell your doctor
- if you are breast-feeding an infant. Small amounts of flurbiprofen can pass
- into breast milk.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-